Matthews scores game winner as shorthanded Maple Leafs beat Devils
Posted March 7, 2023 10:55 pm.
Last Updated March 7, 2023 11:04 pm.
Auston Matthews’ late powerplay goal edged the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-3 win against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, giving the buds a big two points to cap off a long road trip.
Matthews scored his 29th goal of the season with just under three minutes left, sealing the win after Toronto had been trailing 3-2 in the third period.
PAPI IN THE CLUTCH! ???? pic.twitter.com/WMwkfrCZkS
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 8, 2023
It was Michael Bunting who tied the game with his 20th goal of the season after the pesky winger was demoted to the third line ahead of the game as head coach Sheldon Keefe tinkers with his lines in the wake of Ryan O’Reilly’s hand injury that will keep him out for at least four weeks. The Leafs were also without captain John Tavares, who sat out with an illness.
The Leafs and Devils entered the final period tied 1-1 following early goals from Calle Järnkrok and Erik Haula. Leafs winger Mitch Marner scored on a shorthanded breakaway, beating Devils goalie Vitek Vanecek with an impressive deke. It was Marner’s 23rd goal of the season, and he also finished with an assist.
William Nylander added two assists for Toronto, with Sam Lafferty picking up an assist of his own. Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov stopped 30 of 33 shots for the win. Haula had three points for New Jersey, with Ondrej Palat adding a goal and two helpers.
Though already assured a playoff spot, it’s a big two points for Toronto (86), who are now five points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning (81) in the Atlantic Division race. The Lightning beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 on Tuesday night. The Leafs are also now two points back of the Devils (88).
Toronto will have a few days off before hosting the red-hot Connor McDavid and the surging Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. McDavid and the Oilers are coming off a dominant 5-2 win against the Leafs on March 1.
